November 08 Newsletter

Dear London Mums

We have almost reached the end of this incredibly 'challenging' year. November is so busy and fun for us all and we should all make the most of it. We have partnered this month with Rupert The Bear, FRANKENSTEIN'S CAT and Park-Up for great giveaways and we have just found out that RugbyTots has hit London with new toddlers fitness classes.

Most importantly on 16th November we will have our annual Christmas fair and party at Eddie Catz in Wimbledon with family disco running all day, two free photo sessions with Santa and Eddie Catz while you sip a glass of Gluehwein and do your Christmas shopping in style at our London Mumpreneurs' Christmas fair. If you want a fast track to the party and skip the queue just send us an email and pay the Eddie Catz normal entry fees at arrival. London Mums won't charge you a penny for this amazing Christmas party so make sure you register in time.

Don't forget to read our experts' advice on PMS and how to reward our children when they do good things. Please let us know your special advice request on all subjects for our experts and we will make sure you get this for FREE.

Remeber to come and say hallo to our London Mums team when you collect your goodie bag at the Christmas party!!! We will also have a petition to the Prime Minister to allow breastfeeding in public, if you decide to support this important cause. I look forward to seeing you all.

BOOK YOUR SPACE for our ANNUAL LONDON MUMS CHRISTMAS PARTY on Sunday 16th November!

For fast track please reserve your space on the guest list by sending us an email. You can do your Christmas shopping in our very special fair, drink a glass of Gluehwein, dance with your kids at our Family Disco ALL DAY and have a photo session with Santa and Eddie Catz.

Venue: Eddie Catz Wimbledon

When: 16th November 2008 - all day event with Santa arriving twice at approx. 11,30am and 4,30pm and Eddie Catz at 11pm and 4pm available for free photo sessions.

RUGBYTOTS HITS LONDON! Fit & Fun classes for toddlers

Highly recommended by London Mums this month is Rugbytots. This is the UK's first Rugby specific play programme for young children between the ages two and five has arrived in South West London. The classes commence in October 2008 and aim to bring a fresh, enthusiastic and innovative approach to child development using the medium of Rugby. The non-contact sessions aim to provide both girls and boys with a comprehensive introduction to the sport in a fun and safe environment. Each session has been specifically designed by rugby coaches and nursery school teachers; they aim to teach young children the fundamentals of the game such as passing, catching, kicking, scoring a try and working together. Although the skills learnt in the Rugbytots programme are undoubtedly beneficial for developing children's rugby skills, they are also highly beneficial for a number of other sports and activities, for example, the development of hand-eye coordination in tennis.

The classes are separated into two age groups (2-3.5 years and 3.5-5 years) and each child is provided with their own Rugbytots kit. All Rugbytots coaches have undergone substantial training; they are RFU level 1 certificated, pediatric first aid trained and CRB checked. All sessions are also comprehensively insured. Classes are now taking place throughout the SW London area including Wandworth, Putney, Wimbledon and Twickenham. To book online please visit the website www.rugbytots.co.uk or contact Lorna Belchambers on 0845 481 6444 or via email at lorna@rugbytots.co.uk. Classes can be booked also online now at www.rugbytots.co.uk

Unmissable! Charity Comedy in Italian by Escape in Art group "Il Potere e'... Suocera"

When: 27-28-29 November 2008 - check here for more details Escape in Art

COMPETITION TIME

Great prize to win if you participate in the PARK-UP SURVEY. This questionnaire is intended to elicit the parking habits of motorists that drive into London and will provide us with insights that will help shape the development of Park-Up.com. The survey is a collaboration between Park-Up.com & RAC Foundation and is designed to take less than 5 minutes to complete. All fully completed surveys will be eligible for entry into the prize draw for the Garmin Nuvi 200W Sat Nav. The prize draw will close at 5pm on Monday 17th November. The prize draw will be held on Monday 26th November and all winners notified within 14 days. We have teamed up again with the RAC Foundation undertake a questionnaire on how the "Credit Crunch" on travelling, shopping and parking. Click here to start the survey www.park-up.com/questionnaire.aspx

Unmissable! CHRISTMAS FAMILY SHOW (ISLINGTON) Stumble! The Clumsy Reindeer

When: 14/15/16 December 2008 - book early to avoid disappointment - check here for more details http://www.pandora-box.co.uk/stumble.html. It's a show for 3-8 year old children and it's on at The Pleasance in Islington. You can book tickets on the Pleasance website: http://www.pleasance.co.uk/islington/node/543. A group of mums from South West London will join the London Mums in the Northern area for this great event on the 14th December. Please let us know if you want to join in the fun.

COMPETITION TIME: WIN NEW RUPERT THE BEAR AND THE SNOWGLOBE DVD

To celebrate the re-release of Rupert Bear - Follow the Magic - Rupert and the Snowglobe DVD, London Mums have teamed up with Rupert Bear to give 5 lucky members the chance to win a copy of the DVD, out to buy on 3 November 2008 (RRP 5.99 pounds). Rupert and the Snowglobe features six exciting adventures with the loveable Rupert Bear and his friends Bill Badger, Edward Trunk, Ping Pong, Ming and Raggety, with a special appearance from Jack Frost. In the title episode, Rupert Bear, Bill Badger and Ping Pong are amazed to find a small snowstorm raging at the beach one sunny day. Jack Frost emerges and explains that he has come to catch a few rays of sunshine before winter. Jack Frost shows them a magical snowglobe he uses to control the winter weather and the friends make the most of the unseasonable snow fall. However, as the globe falls into the mischievous hands of Ming, the snowstorm begins to grow out of control. Will Rupert Bear and his friends be able to find Ming and make it home in time for tea?

The DVD takes you on a magical journey to discover the wonders of the natural world and includes unique interactive features and downloadable activities.

For your chance to win, just email us the answer to the following question: Who makes a special visit to Nutwood? a) Little Jack Horner, b) Jack Frost c) Jack in the Box

For more information about Rupert Bear visit www.rupertbear.com.

LONDON MUMS BOOK CLUB! CHECK OUT OUR BOOK REVIEWS

Books, CDs and DVDs for the whole family reviewed and recommended by London Mums www.londonmums.org.uk/mumtips.

Our book of the month is 'What to Buy for Your Baby' published by White Ladder and available to buy for 9.99 pounds from www.whiteladderpress.com. Ideal gift for a new PARENTS-TO-BE who WASTE HUNDREDS ON SUPPOSEDLY ESSENTIAL BABY PRODUCTS. Check the full review in the special Christmas gift guide www.londonmums.org.uk/mumtips/xmas.html.

COMPETITION TIME AGAIN: WIN NEW FRANKENSTEIN'S CAT - 'THE CAT FROM A KIT' DVD

Get your kids the purrrrfect Hallowe'en treat with Frankenstein's Cat: his debut DVD, Frankenstein's Cat – 'The Cat From A Kit', available from today, featuring eight super spooky selected from the award-winning TV series on CBBC. Frankenstein's Cat follows the unique friendship between Lottie, a little girl who doesn't fit in, and a cat called Nine, whose body parts don't fit together properly. The creation of a rather mad scientist called Dr Frankenstein, Nine is a bouncy, stinky cat who has a tendency to fall apart! His only friend, and partner-in-mischief, is Lottie, a bright eight year-old and the only girl in Oddsburg. Thrown together, Lottie and Nine find a special bond, and there's plenty of friendship amongst the laughs. Nine is voiced brilliantly by British comedian, Joe Pasquale for CBBC, and the DVD also contains bonus content including an interactive 'Cat From A Kit Game', 'Frankenfacts' and 'What's On The Slab In The Lab'. Plus an exclusive 'Cat From a Kit' Fridge Magnet - free inside every DVD. Enter this competition to be in the running to WIN ONE OF FIVE COPIES OF THE DVD and send us an email now, or hop on over to Play http://www.play.com/DVD/DVD/4-/6134322/Frankenstein-Cat/Product.html to buy one now. Your kids will love him to bits... FRANKENSTEIN'S CAT IS OUT NOW ON DVD, RRP 9.99 pounds.

NEW PRODUCTS TESTED AND RECOMMENDED BY LONDON MUMS

Please check the page www.londonmums.org.uk/mumtips for new product reviews. This month we have tested Ski yogurths, FitFlop, Wheelybug Tiger Small (by HIPPYCHICK), Trunki and a lot of other Christmas gifts. London Mums have voted the TRUNKI (fun luggage for toddlers) best product of the month (November). Read this and other reviews in the special Christmas gift guide www.londonmums.org.uk/mumtips/xmas.html.

STORYTELLING COMPETITION

Celebrity mum Gail Porter together with Gail Porter, Munch Bunch - a brand inspired by the iconic Munch Bunch stories and TV series of the 70s and 80s - is launching a nationwide search for budding authors to help reinvent storytelling. Going back to its storytelling roots the initiative will see six winning stories for children published online as audio podcasts for families to enjoy any time of day. To enter this competition, please log on to: www.munchbunch.co.uk. The six winners of the Munch Time Storytelling Competition will receive the following: An all expenses paid day-trip to Lapland for you and your family to meet Santa Claus and take a magical husky-led sleigh ride by a frozen lake; An overnight stay in a central London hotel for two; The chance to meet celebrity mum Gail Porter; A day in a London recording studio seeing your story come to life as a podcast; Your winning story published online as a podcast.

NEW COLUMN FROM OCTOBER! Our Agony Aunt on Family Nutrition and expert Nutritionist Melody Mackeown responds to your questions

This month's article covers 'EATING FISH WHEN PREGNANT AND BREASTFEEDING FOR LONGER THAN 6 MONTHS BOOST CHILD DEVELOPMENT'

WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY: 'MAKING REWARDS WORK' by Dr Elizabeth Kilbey, child psychologist regularly appearing on the BBC's House of Tiny Tearaways

To read this article click here www.londonmums.org.uk/mumtips/mumtips.html

MESSAGE BOARD

MEDIA OPPORTUNITY: Do you currently have a cough? Or Does your child continually suffer from headlice? If so, BBC TWO needs you to take part in a new series about natural remedies. If you would you like to try a plant based alternative to help soothe the complaint please get in contact now. Filming will take place in the 1st week of November! Email: caroline.walsh@silverriver.tv Or call: 020 7307 2720.

CHARITY UPDATE - credit crunch hits disabled children The UK's leading child disability charity, Newlife Foundation for Disabled Children, has reported an alarming increase in requests for help from struggling parents refused assistance by the government funded statutory services, turning to the charity. New figures reveal a demand for Newlife's services has increased more than 400% in just two months, a crucial period as the UK braces itself for a recession. Oliver was diagnosed at the age of two. Five years later, at the age of seven, Oliver has deteriorated considerably. He cannot speak or focus his eyes or sit up independently. He used to be able to crawl but now even this is deteriorating rapidly and all he can do is roll over onto his stomach and drag himself along the floor with his arms (although this tires him out very quickly). He has to wear a protective crash helmet to prevent injury from the constant involuntary spasms which affect his whole body. Oliver is in urgent need of a powered sit to stand wheelchair. The wheelchair is designed so that Oliver can operate it independently even as his hand tremors increase. The sit to stand function will assist in protecting his bone density, muscle strength and internal organ function. Once he is sat in the wheelchair, he will be able to move around independently, automatically manoeuvre himself into a standing position (at the moment this takes about 20 minutes and requires two adults to assist), and undertake small tasks independently. The wheelchair costs 17,821 pounds. The family have already raised 5,000 pounds themselves towards the cost - an amazing achievement given the nature of their full time duties towards Oliver as carers. They hope to have the wheelchair before Christmas. If you want to help call the Family helpline: callers can dial free phone to a Newlife Nurse on 0800 902 0095

Message from Susanna (our mumpreneur photographer):

I would like to let all mums and mumpreneurs that I now have my own website.www.susimagin.voyager5.net.

Message from Monique Julian (Group 64 Youth Theatre - Putney Arts Theatre):

Group 64 is a vibrant community of extraordinary young people working with some of London’s most dynamic theatre professionals. We are a not for profit youth theatre, dedicated to providing creative experiences where confidence, creativity and talent is nurtured from age 4 to 18.

We offer classes in creativity, drama, musical theatre, film and theatre craft. We also run holiday projects http://www.putneyartstheatre.org.uk/g64holproj.aspx and have numerous production opportunities throughout the year http://www.putneyartstheatre.org.uk/g64holproj.aspx

Our 4-6 Creativity Class which runs on a Monday from 4.15-5.15pm is currently recruiting new members. Classes for this age concentrate on developing emotional vocabulary and self-expression. We use a range of games, art, story telling and music to explore stories and help children discover worlds beyond their own We are proud to be one of London's most exciting and busiest community youth theaters, with close to 200 members.

We are based at Putney Arts Theatre and so are able to offer exciting classes within a fully working theatre!

To find out more please call 02087886935 or visit our website www.group64youththeatre.org.uk where you can listen to a song we recorded in class last week on our podcasts page!

Message from Yvonne - Subject: Do you have a funny or romantic Christmas Story?

A National, glossy magazine is putting together a feature for their Christmas issue about all the funny, romantic, emotional and special things that can happen over the festive period. We're hoping to gather together lots of hilarious and soppy stories and so if you have any special Christmas - New Year memories then I would love to hear from you.

The stories can be anything from romantic proposals or weddings, embarrassing moments, drunken exploits, finding the inspiration to change your life or even just burning the turkey and having to eat sausages instead. If you would like to take part, we would just need a brief telephone or email conversation so we can get the details of your story and borrow a photograph (which would appear as a very small head shot alongside).

If you are interested, please contact me at yvonne.illsley@btconnect.com.

Thank you for reading. Yvonne

LONDON MUMS 'TRIED AND TESTED' - CHRISTMAS GIFT SPECIAL GUIDE

Check out our new page dedicated to Christmas gift ideas full of recommendations from fellow London Mums. The products featured there have all been 'tried and tested' and are quite unique and original. Check out www.londonmums.org.uk/mumtips/xmas.html.

GIFT IDEA FROM ONE OF OUR MUMPRENEURS: Our creative mumpreneur Patrizia from North London has created fantastic personalised books. This is a truly great idea and it makes an excellent Xmas present. Each book is handmade, featuring your little one's name on every page alongside with your hometown, name of family and friends. But that isn't just it! The books come with many extras such as reading quiz, cooking recipe and personalised letters. Books are available in English and German for children aged from 0 ("Baby Book" for newborn) to 8 years. Please visit www.forprinceandprincess.com for the Christmas book "A reindeer in my bedroom". Your child will find a little reindeer, which fell of the sky on the test drive with Father Christmas slide. Will your child find a way to get the little reindeer back to the North Pole in time or will another reindeer take its place in front of the slide?

CBEEBIES ALERT! EXCELLENT NEW PROGRAMME BIG AND SMALL has launched and live on CBBC every morning

Celebrating the delightful differences between two best friends, every episode contains BIG fun which will keep little kids, big kids and parents learning and laughing together. With legendary actor and comedian, Lenny Henry bringing his comic talent to the voices of Big and Small and Imelda Staunton adding her distinctive warmth and charm to the voices of Big and Small's neighbours and friends, this is one big adventure not to be missed. Big and Small is about two best friends who couldn't be more different. One is big and the other is small. The show follows their adventures as they try to live together in a chaotic house and garden in the country, creating an explosion of laughs as well as some genuinely touching moments of friendship and understanding. The series has great stories packed with humour, laugh-out-loud moments and highly memorable songs which will appeal to children (aged 3-6 years) and their parents.

LONDON MUMS IN THE NEWS!

Check online all the media coverage we have received about our London Mums and Mumpreneurs Christmas Fair and Party. Click on London Mums in the news www.londonmums.org.uk/news/news.html

MUMPRENEURS' MEETINGS - VARIOUS DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

EVENT TYPE: BRAINSTORM IN A TEACUP is an hour long brainstorm session with the aim of helping Mums launch or grow their businesses through the sharing of ideas, contacts and support. These sessions will be limited to a maximum of six Mums involved in non-competing businesses (unless all Mums involved are happy to do otherwise), each with a goal, challenge or query that we will solve drawing on the groups' knowledge and expertise.

Dates: Choose from any or all of the dates listed - Friday, November 24 - Wednesday, November 5 - Tuesday, November 18

Cost: 5 pounds will include a coffee and pastry

Venue: The Firestables, 27 Church Rd, Wimbledon Village SW19 5DQ

BUSINESSMUMS' NETWORKING LUNCH WITH SARAH TREMELLEN, FOUNDER OF BRAVISSIMO: Tuesday, November 25

Lunch, networking and the chance to hear Sarah tell her story and pass on tips and advice.

Dates: Tuesday, November 25 with mingling from 11.30am and lunch served at 12.30pm

Cost: 22 pounds includes a two-course meal and tea\coffee

Venue: The Firestables, 27 Church Rd, Wimbledon Village SW19 5DQ

Please note that a huge amount of interest has already been shown in this lunch and it looks like it will book out. A place will only be secured once your registration form and payment have been received.

BUSINESSMUMS' CHRISTMAS BASH: Wednesday, December 3

A night with pampering, a few drinks and a goody bag for the first 50 in the door - all welcome!

Dates: Wednesday, December 3

Cost: 12 pounds includes a glass of wine on arrival, a mini pamper session of your choice, a goody bag and nibbles.

Venue: Mel's Cafe Bar, 573 Garratt Lane, Earlsfield, SW18 4ST

Choose your pamper (book early, to ensure you get the pamper you want): Styleadvice with Laura Ferrell-Peevey. Chairmassage compliments of Cupcake http://www.cupcakemum.com/ Fileand polish with Return to Glory http://www.returntoglory.co.uk/ Makeup consultation with professional make up artist Tania Stephenson Oliver http://www.tsobridalbeauty.co.uk/

Goody bags include: A 'scrummy' flavour bath bomb http://www.purplepinkandred.com/; A sample pot of Raw Gaia's living, vegan and organic face masks http://www.holisticfeathers.co.uk/; A fresh baked goody http://www.hushabyepie.com/; Goodybag and 'make your own' product for the kids www.thecuriouscaterpillar.co.uk

Further information can be found at: www.motivatingmum.co.uk and click on the option you're interested in.

WHAT THE NUTRITIONIST SAYS: Our Agony Aunt on Family Nutrition and expert Nutritionist Melody Mackeown responds to your questions

This month's article covers 'Beating PMS. Your guide to guide to eat your way out of your monthly miseries' http://www.londonmums.org.uk/mumtips/nutri.html

WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY: 'MAKING REWARDS WORK' by Dr Elizabeth Kilbey, child psychologist regularly appearing on the BBC's House of Tiny Tearaways

To read this article click here www.londonmums.org.uk/mumtips/mumtips.html

NEW REGULAR LOCAL LONDON 'POLICE-MUM'SOPHIE WOOD

From last month our Police Community Support Officer Sophie Wood volunteered to have a regular page on our website and answer any question on crime prevention, family safety etc. Check our 1st edition of the police page and Sophie's picture. www.londonmums.org.uk/messbrd. If you have specific concerns you want Sophie to personally address and want to contact her directly please email her on Sophie.Wood2@met.police.uk. Ideally we would like to share her advice and information so if you can, please let London Mums know and we will get Sophie to answer all your questions online.